Abuja witnessed a profound moment in history as Niger Deltans, friends of the region, and stakeholders from across the country converged for the Grand Inauguration and Investiture Ceremony of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) FCT Chapter, an event that reawakened the call for justice, unity, and sustainable development in the region.
With the resounding theme, “Niger Delta and National Development: A Call for Unity, Justice, and Peace,” the gathering transformed into a powerful platform for renewed advocacy and strategic engagement.
The event marked the official unveiling of PANDEF’s maiden Executive Council, alongside the investiture of esteemed Grand Patrons, Patroness, and Advisory Council members. Beyond ceremony, it signaled a bold stride toward strengthening the voice of the Niger Delta at the heart of the nation’s capital.
Dignitaries, statesmen, policymakers, and thought leaders graced the grand occasion—an impressive show of solidarity that underscored the depth of goodwill PANDEF enjoys nationwide.
The newly inaugurated FCT leadership took office with a clear mandate: to advance equity, champion socio-economic development, and deepen political inclusion for the Niger Delta within the FCT and beyond.
In his opening address, Hon. Bassey Ekefre, Deputy National Chairman and Branches Coordinator, traced PANDEF’s journey since its establishment in 2016. He highlighted its contributions to peacebuilding, infrastructural advocacy, and resource control across the Niger Delta.
He also announced upcoming milestones, including a December 5 national symposium in partnership with the Rebirth Group, and the formal launch of the Lagos Chapter in 2026 proof of PANDEF’s expanding national footprint.
Delivering the Chief Host’s message, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali reminded attendees that Abuja symbolizes unity and collective identity, making the FCT an essential center for PANDEF’s strategic engagement.
He recounted the region’s pivotal role in national development since the first oil was lifted from Oloibiri, lamenting the decades of environmental destruction and socio-economic deprivation that followed.
We exist to clamor for justice and sustainable peace. PANDEF is not a protest group—we are partners in progress, but we must also hold our leaders accountable,**” he declared.
The Amanyanabo of Brass, HRM King Alfred Diette-Spiff, celebrated PANDEF’s impressive growth from a modest regional body to a formidable national institution. He called on the new leadership to uphold the forum’s motto, Unity, Justice and Peace, and to steer the organization into a new era of influence and impact.
One of the most emotional and impactful moments came from former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), who spoke passionately about the ongoing devastation in the region.
He lamented the scale of environmental degradation and economic losses suffered by Niger Delta communities, urging the federal government to review and increase the 13% derivation, describing the current rate as grossly inadequate.
“Our responsibility is unquantified… Our people must not become beggars in any part of this country,” he said, stressing the need for sustainable policies, self-reliance, and stronger federal support.
Agabi was later inducted into PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, an honor reflecting his longstanding commitment to justice and national development.
The formal induction of the Executive and Advisory Councils, performed by HRM King Diette-Spiff, was a defining moment. Taking their oaths, the new leaders pledged to defend PANDEF’s integrity, drive its mission, and foster unity among Niger Delta communities.
The newly inaugurated FCT Chairman and Host of the Day, Chief Premier Bello, expressed gratitude to PANDEF’s national leadership for extending the forum’s presence to Abuja, and soon Lagos. He vowed to build stronger bridges between the forum, other regions, and government institutions.
He also clarified misconceptions, stating firmly that PANDEF is not confrontational but a constructive partner to government, committed to supporting good policies and offering objective criticism where necessary.
“With resilience, unity, and purpose,” he said, we must write a new chapter for the Niger Delta.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders reinforced a shared determination: to reposition the Niger Delta, ensure fair treatment, and sustain the quest for peace and progress.
As the ceremony drew to a close, one message rang unmistakably clear:
PANDEF FCT has opened a transformative new chapter, one driven by justice, dignity, unity, and the unwavering pursuit of development for the Niger Delta people.
